Hi there,
My full name is Gaylord B, Makowski. Most people at the counseling office call me Bruce, others call me Dr. Bruce; and then their are some folks who even call me Fr. Bruce. When I am working as a professional counselor or therapist, I prefer to just be called Bruce.
I am a State of Oregon Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy, and I maintain a counseling and marriage and family practice in the downtown area of Canby, Oregon.
With over thirty-years experience as a marriage and family therapist, I have a Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Sciences from California Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA and a Masters Degree from Azusa Pacific University in Azusa, CA in Individual, Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling. In addition, I have an earned Doctoral Degree from the prestigious ABHE accredited Robert E Webber Institute For Worship Studies where my published Dissertation is focused on worship studies and eucharistic spiritual formation (hence the name Dr. Bruce).
Currently I serve as the Executive Director of Trinity Counseling & Wellness Services, where I maintain my counseling practice working with a broad spectrum of clients.
In addition to being an experienced relationship therapist, I have successfully integrated time honored and proven counseling/therapy techniques with pastoral counsel and insight. Having served for over twenty five years as an ordained minister, I am able to successfully integrate (when asked by my clients) both Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant theology into the therapy process.
Spirituality has finally been recognized as very important in the counseling process. My clients can feel confident that I will not "preach or push" my personal religious beliefs or agenda, but because of my education, on-going training and experience, I am able to help clients better understand how their personal religious and spiritual beliefs can aid them in reaching their life goals.
Clients not interested in discussing religious or spiritual concepts are totally respected, and their therapy focuses more on a Solution Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach. Like I mentioned earlier, religious beliefs and spirituality discussions are integrated with the client's permission.
Many of my clients seek me out just for that reason, they know they are safe to talk or not talk about their religious and spiritual beliefs in an atmosphere that promotes dialogue and discovery.
Why do some people call me Fr. Bruce? Well, because I am an ordained old catholic priest. Yup - old catholic priests can be married just like the Eastern Orthodox priests. I am currently serving as the priest at Holy Trintiy Old Catholic Church ECC+USA in Canby Oregon.
I wear two seperate hats. When I am counseling, I am a counselor/therapist. When I am serving in the church, my calling is to serve as the Priest. Subsequently, I am very up front with all new clients concerning my two roles. Fortunately, 99% of the folks are happy with the added expertice. I think you will too, and I look forward to working with you in the future.
Please, do not hesitate to call or ask questions; and, thanks for reading a little part of my story.
Thanks again,
Bruce
Additional Information:
License and Certifications
Oregon Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Diploma in Spiritual Direction, Pecos Abbey, Pecos, NM
Additional Training
Residential Alcohol and Drug Counseling
Outpatient Alcohol and Drug Counseling
State DUII Assessment and Counseling
Codependency and Adult Children of Alcoholics
Grief and Trauma
Professional Activities and Memberships
Ordained Clergy, Ecumenical Catholic Church+USA
Pastor Holy Trinity Old Catholic Church ECC+USA
Member Canby Chamber of Commerce
Former Faculty, Canby Bible College, Canby, OR
Personal Information
I have been married to Marcia for 44+ years. We first met in 6th grade. We have two children, our youngest son died from A.L.L
when he was five years old. Our oldest son is married and doing well - we have a daughter now, and two grandsons. Active in church activities,
we enjoy our time at home, being with family and neighbors, and we plan occassional get aways and retreats to the coast or
mountains to relax and rest. I really do try to practice what I counsel and teach. Give it some careful thought and I hope to see you soon.
